In what is perhaps the most shocking plot twist of 2020, I have a confession to make.
I haven’t been watching nearly as much HGTV as I should be.
Alright, I know what you’re thinking: “Katie! (Gasp.) There’s nothing but time! What else has this year been good for if not endless hours of dream-home-worthy binge-watching? How could you?”
I know, I know. And I’m just going to come out and say it. Here’s the cold-hard truth: I should be doing more. I could be doing better. I am a disappointment to HGTV lovers everywhere.
And while 2020 has certainly been rife with the opportunities for substantial remodels and DIY home improvements that make up the very DNA that is HGTV, I’ve hit two pretty sizeable barriers. First, I don’t have a true “home” for home improvements; rather, I have one gorgeous but very full two-bedroom apartment that I’m fairly certain will spontaneously combust if I even attempt to cram any more furniture, exercise equipment, or plants into its already exhausted square footage[1]. Second, as much as I love HGTV, after signing off from a full day of virtual work and Zoom calls I simply can’t bring myself to sit down and stare at yet another screen: And—call me crazy—but no amount of subway tile can convince me otherwise[2]!
And yet, despite my recent track record, I admire the Home & Garden channel greatly. Let’s be real, I’ve referred to Joanna Gaines as my spirit animal in more than one blog post, Erin and Ben Napier are simply the cutest, and I’m pretty sure not an episode of House Hunters goes by that I don’t want to dropkick the squabbling couple out of sheer, unfettered frustration because I just know I could run circles around their pitiful home-buying efforts[3].
Truly, HGTV is the absolute best. Endless inspiration, fresh bursts of creativity, and the opportunity to indulge in unceasing life drama that isn’t your own? Dang: I’ll buckle in for that immaculately decorated thrill ride any day of the week.
Perhaps it’s not surprising then that I nearly lost my mind last year when I learned the network was set to release a new show based right here in Minnesota. Indeed, Stay or Sell features Minneapolis-based husband-and-wife duo Brad and Heather Fox who buy, sell, and design homes in “one of the hottest real estate markets in the country[4].”
The show premiered last fall[5] and has since taken off. As its title would suggest, Brad and Heather help local families decide if they should stay and renovate their current home or sell and purchase another nearby house to flip and customize to their preference. The Foxes’ style is distinct if not eclectic: Their designs trend Scandinavian-modern—clean lines and neutrals mixed with a punch of Palm Springs (the couple’s favorite travel destination), pops of color, and a dose of kitsch.
So far, Stay or Sell has one season with about eight episodes, and I’ve loved watching every minute of it. There’s something to be said for seeing your city on tv that reaffirms your pride and urges you to get out and explore in wholly new, unprecedented ways. We have lived in Minnesota for a little over two years now, and I continue to be amazed by how much the Twin Cities has to offer when I open my eyes and simply look around. Watching Stay or Sell has only magnified this truth: I love learning about nearby neighborhoods, seeing local architecture, and imagining the infinite possibilities that exist for breathing new life into old homes.
And ladies and gentlemen, when I say “local,” I’m not kidding: As we watched one couple in the very first episode decide if they should stay in the neighborhood they loved or find a new house to accommodate their growing family, we noticed something oddly familiar.
“Wait a second: Isn’t that the doctor’s office right by our apartment? And isn’t that the road we drive down every weekend on our way to Target?”
While we knew we were watching a show about Minneapolis and its surrounding suburbs, we paused the show and there it was: Our literal backyard. I kid you not. Brad and Heather were renovating a home in the neighborhood I walk or run through on a daily basis, and I was instantly struck by the connective power this show held for me. This wasn’t some series on the West Coast teeming with exquisite oceanfront homes and pristine stucco exteriors: This show was raw, Midwestern, and Minnesotan—it was decidedly local—down to its very roots. Needless to say, I was hooked.
A quick Google search nudged my fascination even one step further: Not only was this particular home practically located in our backyard, but so was the couple’s design office. While its exterior is relatively unassuming, it’s thrilling to drive past Fox Homes, see the couple’s “red orange” logo[6], and know that this is where the design magic happens.
This initial discovery acted as a catalyst: Now whenever Cam and I watch an episode, we adopt the habit of quickly lunging for the remote and frantically hitting “pause” so we can diligently read street signs and decipher local landmarks that make it into the frame. In fact, I have a running note in my phone titled “Stay or Sell places to check out”– no joke, this actually exists and I’m including the evidence to prove it— where I organize our findings and keep track of all the places we want to visit next. It’s a fun if not wildly goofy version of HGTV eye-spy, and it never fails to keep us on our toes as we explore midcentury modern styles and learn more about everything the Twin Cities has to offer.
One of my favorite aforementioned spots was featured early in the season when Brad and Heather met a couple they were working with for coffee and refreshments at a beloved “Eat Street” favorite: Glam Doll Donuts. More than your typical donut shop, Glam Doll markets itself as “your happy place, where every donut is a tasty piece of art!” This description does not disappoint: During a recent sugar-run we picked up festive flavors ranging from Dark Angel to Mocha Lisa to Miss Florida, and gosh were they good. I’m not even a donut person[7], and even I like these donuts! What’s not to love? Mix flavor, funk, and a whole lot of pink, and I am most certainly there!
And, not only is Stay or Sell great for learning more about nearby food destinations, but it also shines a spotlight on Minneapolis-based artists and small businesses. Brad and Heather enlist the help of local artisans to put the finishing touches on their designs, and, in doing so, they showcase their talents to the broader design-loving public. Indeed, Stay or Sell has brought attention to a wide variety of vendors including Mercury Mosaics, wool + timber, and SheShe wallpaper. Tonkadale was even subtly featured during an episode, and I practically jumped for joy when I saw Jessie—Tonkadale owner and plant lady extraordinaire—walk into the staging process with an armful of plants and some crazy fun pots in tow[8].
And, in what is perhaps her most famous design collaboration, Heather has worked closely with local artist Ashley Mary who’s work with bold colors, playful shapes, and whimsical murals also inspired the infamous multi-hued pompom earrings Heather dons in seemingly every episode of the show. While I fluctuate between loving and hating these very vocal earrings[9], I find Ashley Mary’s art wildly captivating and couldn’t help myself from purchasing two of her bold, bright-patterned journals during a recent Target run[10]. I can honestly say taking notes has never made happier.
In this spirit of small business, it’s definitely worth mentioning Brad and Heather have recently expanded their Minneapolis footprint by opening Foxwell, a Magnolia Silos in the making. The 4,000-square-foot space houses a design studio, a workspace for their team of designers and realtors, and a new retail shop that stocks a selection of home décor and accessories, smaller furniture pieces, and a wildly eclectic potpourri of vintage and kids’ items. Heather adores hunting for unexpected treasures and has long dreamed of opening a retail space that features the home goods and accessories she and Brad use to decorate and stage their clients’ homes. While still in its infancy, Foxwell is utterly gorgeous and offers a wide array of eye candy that instantly inspires bold, playful decorating. Ultimately, Brad and Heather hope it serves as a creative space that makes design more navigable and attainable for all.
Okay, so I haven’t been the best about watching HGTV this year. But when I do, I never fail to be inspired, particularly when I witness beautiful reminders of what’s possible even in my own backyard. There’s truly no shortage of opportunities to reinvent yourself, restructure your space, and step into a life you fully love. Perhaps this is what I appreciate most about HGTV: It helps viewers see the world not simply as it is, but also how it can be. And if that isn’t inspiring, I don’t know what is.
And as for a second season of Stay or Sell? Let’s just say Brad and Heather announced
this afternoon they have “some fun announcements to share” soon. Excellent.
I’m waiting with bated breath.
[1] Oh, let’s be real: There’s always room for another plant (or two, or three)!
[2] In fact, I’ve somewhat seriously contemplated nixing the tv entirely and replacing it with a treadmill: That is how screen-averse I’m feeling right now. Will I do it? Probably not. But do I ponder this possibility a borderline obsessive amount? You betcha. I’m so not good at this whole quarantine thing, y’all.
[3] Really? You mean to tell me a 5,000-square-foot home is too small for entertaining? Let’s be real: We both know you don’t have that many friends. What’s that? You want a 5-bedroom, 4-bath home with original wood floors, Carrera marble countertops, and a live-in butler? And your all-in budget is $10,000? I’m sorry, but have you ever heard of a little thing called math? Honestly: Where do they find these people?
[4] One of the hottest real estate markets in the country? Really? Check yourself, HGTV: That hardly seems accurate. When you say “one of” are we talking “one of ten?” “One of twenty?” “One of fifty?” I know you claim the Minneapolis market is “hot,” but our sub-zero winters beg to differ.
[5] Literally one year ago today… WHAT?! This has officially become the most fortuitous blog post I’ve ever written.
[6] Which is appropriately hued to match their namesake animal, I might add. Nicely done.
[7] Oh, don’t judge me!
[8] I may or may not have spotted one of the pots I own casually sitting atop a dresser, snapped a photo, and sent it to my equally Tonka-obsessed friend, Dixie. You’ll never know.
[9] Sorry Heather and Ashely: Hit me on the right day, and I’m a fan, I promise!
[10] Highlighting local artists by making their work widely accessible for guests nationwide? Well done. I’d say that’s another win for the Bullseye!
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